Page 72 of Just One Season
Bear seems fine with the whole situation. After all, he’s wearing a doggy Blizzard shirt, courtesy of Kellen. He also sent me a hoodie, t-shirt, and car decal, along with his jersey.
I stare back down at my laptop, where I was streaming the pregame while finishing some work I came in to get done.
I paused and gaped when Kellen walked through my screen into the arena, the poster child for hot hockey player. I didn’t get to see him fully suited up last Monday… Not the complete picture, anyway, as we kissed before I could even get his tie knotted.
That kiss. I can’t get it out of my head.
On the screen, Kellen’s smiling as he follows my brother into the building with his tie expertly fastened.
I shut my laptop and breathe out. I don’t usually work on Saturdays, but I needed to get a few things done and was too jittery to work at the apartment.
I flash back to the way I could feel Kellen’s heart race when I laid my hands on his chest. I kissed him. I did that. And while he didn’t exactly hesitate to kiss me back—it was like he’d been waiting for me to do it—he also kept his hands securely on my waist.
I kinda wish he’d have let them wander.
Nowmyheart’s racing. I place a hand on my chest and will it to slow.
The kiss wasn’t for show. Paul and Savannah weren’t anywhere around. We didn’t even pretend it was practice.
My neck heats, and I rub it with one hand. I wanted so much more from him, but I’m so glad we stopped before things went too far.
Aren’t I?
But it doesn’t feel like I’m glad. I haven’t even texted him to say thank you for the gifts. I kinda don’t trust myself not to cross the line again.
I roll my shoulders back and smooth down the number seven Kellen Bassey jersey I’m wearing. I cracked up when I took it out of the package and saw all the other Blizzard merchandise, including that shirt for Bear.
I pat my dog one final time and pull my office door shut behind me. My phone buzzes, and I pause before pushing into the arena.
January
Lulu, You look like in Kellen’s jersey
Raleigh
I feel like this is a big deal
I type a response. I’d sent them a quick selfie of me in the jersey.
Me
Bigger than kissing him at a coffee shop? Or holding hands at the fall festival?
January
Or making out with him in a conference room where no one could see?
Me
January
That’s what I thought, babes
Raleigh
And it makes this an even bigger deal
January
